Andy and I did something we won’t be able to do this summer and for many months following this summer. We decided, on a Thursday, to go see “Chicago” at the Aronoff Center Friday. Paw Paw was able to babysit. After we went to Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub for a beer (for Andy), a Sprite (for me) and pub crisps.
I believe date nights vital to a healthy marriage. I remember my parents taking them when they could when I was growing up—I’m sure they enjoyed the evening out as much as we enjoyed the novelty of a babysitter. But I also remember the difficulty of date night when Sophie was young—especially as a breastfeeding mom. In the beginning, I remember not wanting to go out. Honestly, I think I was too tired. And then, perhaps six months into it, I vividly remember a couple date nights that quickly became too painful as I was without baby and without pump.
Mothers of twins have told me to not expect to leave the house for any real length of time the first few months upon the babies’ arrival. And even after that, I imagine the logistics to be more difficult—that is, until they’re older.
So I hope for many more of these spur-of-the-moment (or planned) date nights in my near future. And I’m trying to embrace them, acknowledge them for what they are—hold them dear. Before I had Sophie, I took many things for granted. And while I’ll always choose more nights at home snuggled on the couch with my entire family, I’ll also never give up my love for a night out with a man I’ve known and loved longer than anyone else in my now-immediate family.
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” —Mignon McLaughlin
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